Articles tagged with Fossil Fuels
Researchers developed a thermogalvanic system from lignosulfonate, a papermaking black liquor component, to convert low-grade heat and sunlight into electricity. The system achieved a Seebeck coefficient of 4.3 mV/K and generated 1.56 V under a 40 K temperature difference.
A study of 122 Australian consumers found that EV misinformation can lead to misconceptions about safety, environmental impact, and practicality. Researchers suggest addressing underlying concerns and providing credible information to build trust in electric vehicles.
Rapid economic growth in India has led to a significant increase in coal-fired power generation, resulting in worsening outdoor air pollution and a sharp rise in urban air-pollution-related deaths. The study found that a 1% increase in GDP per capita was associated with a 1.14% increase in electricity demand.
The conflict in Iran is driving people away from fossil fuels, with the world less economically reliant on them. Effective solutions include deep investments in clean energy, public transportation, and urban planning, as well as emergency measures like cash transfers and targeted assistance for low-income households.
A new study estimates that decommissioning subsea oil and gas pipelines could release 4.5 to 500 tonnes of microplastics into the North Sea each year. The research highlights the potential environmental risks of legacy plastics and recommends integrating environmental consequences into decommissioning decision-making.
The UCSF Industry Documents Library has made public nearly 700 internal documents from Fleet Farm, a Midwest retailer accused of ignoring an internal warning before selling firearms to a straw buyer. The documents, part of a lawsuit alleging negligence, provide a new resource for researchers, policymakers, and the public to understand ...
Blending moderate amounts of organic cleaning wastewater with coal lowers ignition temperature and reduces combustion activation energy, but excessive addition weakens overall combustion. The study suggests a practical balance between easier ignition and stable combustion can be achieved.
Researchers have found that hydrogen-induced embrittlement can be twice as severe in Nickel-base superalloys at elevated temperatures, posing a challenge for gas turbine safety and reliability. The study suggests that designing temperature-specific alloys with tailored microstructures could help mitigate this issue.
A new study reveals that carefully designed power cycles can convert more of LNG's overlooked resource into useful electricity. Researchers found that a two-stage Rankine cycle with reheating produces the most effective design, generating up to 9.2 megawatts of net power.
The Indian government's plan to blend petrol with ethanol aims to reduce carbon emissions and oil imports, but may compromise on food security, water usage, and sustainable land use practices. The study highlights the need for a more balanced approach to biofuel policies that considers these trade-offs.
Researchers estimate that up to 90% of data center carbon dioxide emissions could be stored in underground saline aquifers, mitigating the reversal of declining carbon dioxide emissions. Deploying carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies at scale requires partnerships between data center owners, utilities, and CCS providers.
A European research team is developing bacteria that can produce important chemical base materials from sustainable methanol, aiming to replace fossil resources in the chemical industry. The goal is to make chemical production more sustainable without jeopardizing food security.
A full fossil fuel phase-out by mid-century relies on rapid direct electrification alongside large-scale deployment of hydrogen-based energy carriers. This would require an 80% increase in electricity generation compared to conventional 1.5°C pathways.
A new study finds that coal pollution reduces global solar electricity output by 5.8%, equivalent to 111 TWh of lost energy, with aerosol-related losses reaching 74.0 TWh annually. This constraint on the clean energy transition underscores the need for pollution control measures to maximize renewable energy output.
A new study reveals a post-pandemic cycling boom in major cities, with fatality rates dropping by up to 88% in Paris, 82% in London, and 62% in New York City. The improvement is attributed to the expansion and improvement of cycling infrastructure, including cycleways separated from motor vehicle traffic.
A new atlas reveals significant overlaps between Arctic oil and gas development and Indigenous Peoples' Lands, ecologically sensitive areas, and key Arctic species. The study highlights potential ecological disruption and social tension in heavily-exploited regions.
The Joule Hive Thermal Battery system can generate and store heat up to 1,800 degrees Celsius using renewable energy sources like solar or wind. The system's thermal energy storage capabilities make it possible for industrial sites to rely on renewable energy sources flexibly.
A collaborative team of researchers from Kyoto University analyzed the net-zero transition in Southeast Asia, finding that a flexible grid paradigm allows vertically integrated utilities to accept natural gas as flexible energy. The study also highlights the need for synchronized changes in energy systems and financial systems to achie...
A new monitor tracks the energy transition in Hungary, finding that roughly half of companies increased their share of low-carbon electricity, while others continued to rely on fossil fuels. The study suggests that size, revenue spent on fossil fuels, and initial investments influence a company's willingness to switch to electrification.
Researchers identify vulnerabilities in three major sectors: physical, financial, and managerial 'cliffs' that could trigger localized energy crises and price shocks. Policymakers are urged to adopt managed decline strategies to avoid disruption of services and stabilize the mid-transition period to zero carbon energy.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an energy-efficient reactor that captures and recycles methane to produce clean hydrogen and high-performance carbon nanotubes. The process uses a multi-pass floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition reactor with process gas recycling, significantly reducing energy requirements.
Scientists create ultra-homogeneous CuS nanosheets supported on N-doped porous carbon, triggered by covalent S species, for efficient HMF electrooxidation. The optimized catalyst achieves a high current density of 335 mA cm^-2 at 1.5 V vs. RHE.
Researchers found that fossil fuel firms experience significant spikes in informed trading during COP meetings, with investors trading ahead of market. The study estimates that informed traders could have earned up to $25 billion across the COP meetings and 87 firms studied.
A new study reveals that the burning of fossil fuels is accelerating winter rainfall changes in Northern and central Europe, including the UK, by more than two decades. This finding significantly upsets climate model projections, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation planning and infrastructure investment.
A Boston University study finds nearly 14% of the US population lives within a mile of fossil fuel infrastructure, posing potential health risks. The research highlights inequities in exposure, with predominantly non-white groups and urbanites disproportionately affected.
Prof. Weihong Yang explores innovative strategies to replace fossil-based materials with sustainable, bio-based graphite in lithium-ion batteries and other electrochemical systems. The webinar provides key insights into converting bioprecursors into fossil-free graphite.
The Lancet Countdown report reveals that the world is facing unprecedented levels of health threats due to climate change, with millions of lives lost unnecessarily. The report calls for urgent action to limit future harm by prioritizing human health in policy decisions.
A new study finds that electric vehicles outperform gasoline cars in lifetime environmental impact, with a reduction in cumulative CO2 emissions after two years of use. The transportation sector accounts for 28% of US greenhouse gas emissions and adopting electric vehicles can improve climate and air quality.
A new study reveals that fossil fuel companies are failing to invest in renewables, with only 20% owning an operational project and renewable energy representing just 0.1% of their primary energy extraction.
Researchers at Universiti Sains Malaysia create a new material capable of capturing carbon dioxide from the air using oil palm ash, achieving impressive adsorption capacity and stability. Machine learning predictions also enabled the design of a highly optimized mesoporous structure.
A study by Penn State researchers found that using electricity for space heating can significantly reduce on-site household energy consumption. The team also identified other factors, such as the use of electric water heaters and construction methods, that contribute to energy savings.
Scientists have made significant progress in developing iron-based solar fuel systems, which could pave the way for cheaper and more sustainable fuels. The study reveals new mechanisms that enable efficient charge transfer between light-absorbing molecules and acceptor molecules, reducing energy losses and increasing efficiency.
Research by ETH Zurich reveals human-induced climate change has increased extreme heat wave frequency and severity, with fossil fuel and cement production contributing significantly. The study highlights the responsibility of large carbon emitters, such as oil and gas companies, in exacerbating heat waves.
Researchers found little evidence of disproportionate siting in Black counties, but a growing share of the Black population over time. Long-term demographic shifts after power plant openings led to higher Black population shares, with an average rise of 4% in 50-70 years.
Research on killifish reveals that maternal exposure to toxic substances like crude oil and flame retardants can have lasting impacts on offspring and subsequent generations. Exposure to these chemicals during critical developmental windows can alter gene function, behavior, and health outcomes in humans and wildlife.
A new Northwestern University study finds that even with renewable energy availability, switching to electric vehicles won't fight climate change without upgraded transmission grids. Targeted upgrades could alleviate congestion and unlock full emissions-reduction potential of EV adoption.
A new study by NYU Langone Health researchers found that the shutdown of a significant fossil fuel pollution source near Pittsburgh, PA resulted in immediate improvements in respiratory health. Respiratory related emergency visits decreased by about 20% within weeks after the plant's closure.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University analyze historical U.S. carbon emissions trends, identifying factors that contributed to changes and offering lessons for developing countries. The study suggests that investing in efficient technologies and avoiding overreliance on coal can help avoid pitfalls encountered by the United States.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a more efficient light-based process for transforming fossil fuels into useful modern chemicals, effective even at room temperatures. The organic photoredox catalysis system uses visible light to alter chemical compounds, reducing energy demands and pollution in various industries.
A new report by UCL academics finds that opening new North Sea oil and gas fields is incompatible with achieving the Paris Climate Agreement goals. The researchers recommend stopping all future licenses to explore and refusing development consent for already-licensed fields.
Using site characterization data from multiple disciplines, researchers can now accurately predict the occurrence of marine landslides. The correct sequence of site investigations and integration of data is crucial for maximizing information and confidence in landslide models.
A new membrane developed by MIT researchers separates different types of fuel based on their molecular size, eliminating the need for energy-intensive distillation. The membrane can efficiently separate heavy and light components from oil, and is resistant to swelling.
A new study found that brick kiln owners in Bangladesh are willing to implement energy-efficient operational changes after receiving training and support. The changes led to a 23% reduction in energy use and substantial savings in coal expenditures.
A new energy model reveals a striking similarity in all scenarios: the inevitable transition to renewable energy. However, achieving rapid cuts necessary to meet 1.5°C targets poses a challenge, with a potential 20-30 year gap between demand and supply.
A new study by Dartmouth researchers lays out a scientific framework for tracing specific climate damages back to emissions from individual fossil fuel companies. The framework combines climate modeling with publicly available emissions data to provide robust emissions-based attributions of climate damages at the corporate scale.
Researchers developed a new ultrafine platinum-based high-entropy alloy octahedra catalyst that enhances methanol oxidation reaction activity and durability. The senary alloy outperformed ternary alloys and commercial platinum-on-carbon catalysts in terms of performance, offering a promising advance for direct methanol fuel cells.
Researchers found that burning heavy fuel oil with scrubbers has a comparable environmental impact to low-sulfur fuels when considering various factors. The study suggests that scrubbers are a mature technology that can effectively reduce sulfur emissions, making them a viable option for shipping companies.
Researchers at the University of Surrey developed a cost-effective method for removing CO2 from the air and converting it into synthetic fuel. The Dual-Function Material (DFM) process has been shown to be financially competitive with established industry methods, offering a promising route to decarbonize industries.
A dynamic framework to measure market power in wholesale electricity markets has been developed by researchers, accounting for start-up costs and other unit-level operating constraints. The study found that rooftop solar penetration increases led to sizable boosts in fossil fuel plant profitability, as competition softened at sunset.
A new study published in Climate Policy highlights the significant cost disparity between household electricity and e-fuel for long-distance mobility. The research shows that the wealthiest 1% of EU citizens are responsible for 66% of air travel, while the majority emit less than 0.1 ton of CO2 equivalent emissions per year.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated the environmental benefits of turning CO₂ emissions into key chemical ingredients for essential consumer goods. The study found that waste CO₂ can be part of the solution rather than the problem, reducing GWP by around 82% for paper mill emissions.
New research from the University of Kansas found that completing a greenhouse gas emission inventory indeed moves the needle toward mitigation, with cities reducing their CO2 emissions by about 22 fewer pounds per capita. The addition of sustainability staff did not show a statistically significant reduction.
Countries are urged to update their National Determined Contribution plans to address plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The team suggests specific goals, such as cutting plastic production and incentivizing sustainable manufacturing.
A new study from USC Dornsife finds that LA's urban greenery absorbs up to 60% of daytime fossil fuel CO2 emissions in spring and summer, providing valuable insights into the impact of trees on air quality. The research provides data-driven insights for future planting efforts and informs the USC Urban Trees Initiative.
The solar-powered reactor converts atmospheric CO2 into syngas, which can be used to produce chemicals and pharmaceuticals without contributing to global warming. The technology has the potential to solve two problems at once: removing CO2 from the atmosphere and creating a clean alternative to fossil fuels.
A new study by Stanford University researchers found that coal-fired power stations drag down annual wheat and rice yields by 10% or more due to NO2 emissions. Eliminating these emissions could boost rice output by $420 million per year and wheat output by $400 million per year.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and the University of California, Berkeley have developed a practical way to produce hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide using copper nano-flowers on artificial leaves. The device produces more complex hydrocarbons with two carbon atoms, such as ethane and ethylene, which are key building blocks ...
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a low-carbon system that transforms materials like plastics and agricultural waste into syngas, producing high-quality chemicals and fuels. The technology achieves a purity of around 90% in a process that takes only a few minutes.
A new Oxford report suggests that a carbon storage mandate on fossil fuel producers could help the UK meet its climate targets while protecting public finances. The policy scenario explores requiring suppliers to permanently store rising percentages of their CO2 emissions.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have synthesized a biodegradable nylon precursor through artificial photosynthesis, producing an eco-friendly alternative plastic. The breakthrough utilizes L-alanine and ammonia to create raw materials for a nylon-type biodegradable plastic.